A man and a woman have died following a “suspicious” explosion at a house in Bristol, United Kingdom, while three other people sustained injuries, police have confirmed.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers were initially called to a domestic-related incident at a property on Sterncourt Road, Frenchay, shortly before the explosion occurred at around 06:30 BST.
A major incident was declared immediately afterwards, with surrounding streets cordoned off and nearby residents evacuated as a precaution.
Three people, a man, a woman and a child, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Authorities have stressed that while the blast is being treated as suspicious, it is not being handled as a terrorist incident.
During a press briefing, Superintendent Matt Ebbs said investigations were also ongoing at a property in Speedwell linked to the man who died.
He added that officers were not seeking any additional suspects, but described the inquiry as ongoing and complex.
He said police are continuing to secure the area and will ease restrictions when it is safe to do so: “reduce the cordon as soon as we can”. He also described the situation as “a complex and sensitive investigation”.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been established. Specialist teams, including the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, have been deployed to assist with precautionary searches.
Police say there is no indication of major damage to neighbouring properties.
Authorities have also indicated an increased police presence in the area to reassure residents.
Local resident Bradley Shepherd described the moment of the blast, saying: **”I sort of jumped out of bed to see what was going on.
“There was nothing immediately that I could see, but within minutes the police were arriving, attending the property. We had all emergency services there within 10 minutes, armed police.
“Within maybe about 15 or 20 minutes, once they had it cordoned off, they were instructing all the neighbourhood, the majority are probably 60-plus years of age, to actually evacuate their properties and take residence in the local Harvester [restaurant].”
Evacuated residents were later moved to Begbrook Social Club around 12:30 BST.
A spokesperson for the Harvester confirmed its role in supporting displaced locals, saying, “We’re proud to have been able to support our local community when it was needed most,” adding that the restaurant has since reopened after operating in a limited capacity during the incident.
Police are continuing to work alongside Bristol City Council to provide support to those affected by the evacuation.
